Infallibility

Definition

Infallibility- state of being - ability to be-
free from error in certain circumstances.

Catholic Definition

Infallibility- The ability and guidance given to the Pope, and promised to the church- by God- safeguarding all “From the Chair” decisions- so far as they relate to Doctrine and morals. Infallibility only extends as far as these statements go, and is only in relation to subjects pertaining our spiritual edification.
Infallibility is not- applicable to the every day decisions of the pope- and the pope’s actions are not infallible- though probably more protected than most. The decision must be an official “From the Chair of Peter” decision, or that of an ecumenical council in obedience to the pope.
Why it is needed

Peter notes in his epistles- that the untaught pervert the scriptures- to their own destruction. It is also noted that Jesus opened the minds of his apostles to the scriptures. God also told Peter to take care of his sheep. If we did not need to be taken care of- God would not have said so.

How we have the bible

The 73 books of the bible, were accepted by A.D. 393 at the council of hippo. This was decreed by the authority of the church as shown in Acts chapter 15.


Bible on infallibility

Jesus noted that some hypocrites searched the scriptures- thinking they held salvation- but rejected him- salvation- when he was standing in front of them. Clearly- the scriptures needed to be interpreted correctly. (John 5 v 36-40)

God is also noted as prophesying via the High priest who demanded his crucifixion (John 11 v 51) the bible states that this was because of his position. This is furthered by Jesus’ command that his disciples should do as the hypocritical Pharisees said, but not what they did. This because they held the seat of moses. One must note that they were only to be accepted because God ordained them. It is only because the church is validly Apostolic- and not just claiming to be- that Catholics obey the Pope.


The Apostles, further- replaced Judas- showing succession- which is also recorded in the church Fathers- hundreds of years before Protestants existed. The bible shows this in the following(Acts 1 v 20) where Judas is replaced using a “Lot”. It is important that they did not get others to vote him in, but relied on God to choose- as the modern church does.


The church is further aided, and claims to be aided directly by God- in dealing with the Circumcision heresy (Acts 15 v 19,22-30) - despite discussing it themselves.


Peter, and others in their words, or in the case of St.Paul- their letters- also seem to claim to be infallible. Peter said that someone who lied to him had lied to God- he was not claiming to be God- but to represent him- in his office (his doctrine- he could still sin) infallibly (Acts 5 v 4).


Quotes on bible courtesy of http://scripturelink.googlepages.com/scripturalproofs


Resources on Papal Infallibility

Vatican


www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p3s1c3a3.htm

www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/audiences/alpha/data/aud19930324en.htmlwww.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/audiences/alpha/data/aud19930317en.htmlEternal

Eternal Word Television Network

www.ewtn.com/library/ISSUES/ORDIN.TXT

www.ewtn.com/library/ANSWERS/EXPLINFA.htm

www.ewtn.com/library/ISSUES/ORDIN.TXT

www.ewtn.com/library/ISSUES/SHAWINFA.TXT

www.ewtn.com/faith/Teachings/papac2.htm

www.ewtn.com/library/ANSWERS/MIRINFAL.htm



www.ewtn.com/library/Theology/SIPVAT2.HTM


www.ewtn.com/library/DOCTRINE/TRIGINFL.HTM

www.ewtn.com/library/ANSWERS/INFALLIB.htm

www.ewtn.com/library/Theology/SUMMARY.HTM

www.ewtn.com/library/CHRIST/CONFATAL.txt


www.ewtn.com/library/ISSUES/PILSORD.TXT

www.ewtn.com/faith/Teachings/chura2a.htm

www.ewtn.com/library/HUMANITY/THEOTRAD.TXT

www.ewtn.com/vexperts/showmessage.asp?number=518780&Pg=Forum6&Pgnu=1&recnu=7


New Advent- Catholic Encyclopedia

www.newadvent.org/cathen/05030a.htm

www.newadvent.org/cathen/07790a.htm

www.newadvent.org/cathen/15303a.htm


Catholic Online

Catholic Encyclopedia

www.catholic.org/encyclopedia/view.php?id=6099



www.catholic.org/encyclopedia/view.php?id=3717




United States Council Of Catholic Bishops


www.usccb.org/comm/archives/2003/03-075.shtml

www.usccb.org/catechism/text/pt1sect2chpt3art9p4.htm



www.usccb.org/seia/southernbaptist.shtml



This Rock- www.catholic.com

www.catholic.com/library/Papal_Infallibility.asp

www.catholic.com/thisrock/2002/0202sbs.asp

www.catholic.com/thisrock/1990/9007qq.asp

www.catholic.com/thisrock/2001/0109bt.asp

www.catholic.com/thisrock/2000/0010fea5.asp

www.catholic.com/thisrock/1994/9409fea2.asp

www.catholic.com/thisrock/2002/0212qq.asp www.catholic.com/thisrock/2000/0004qq.asp

http://www.catholic.com/thisrock/2005/0510fr.asp


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http://scripturelinkencyclopedia.stblogs.com/2007/11/08/infallibility/